Air conditioned seat and air conditioning apparatus for a ventilated seat

ABSTRACT

An air conditioned seat with a padded seat surface ( 4 ) and a padded backrest ( 8 ) and with a fan ( 16 ) arranged beneath the seat surface ( 4 ). The fan ( 16 ) is connected to an air distribution apparatus ( 20, 22 ) in the seat, and includes a flow region ( 31 ) that is open to the environment. The flow region ( 31 ) is located substantially on the side of the fan ( 16 ) facing the seat surface ( 4 ). The fan inlet ( 30 ) is further environmentally protected by a diffuser ( 36 ) located in the flow region ( 31 ) and forming a slit opening ( 40 ) between a top edge ( 38 ) of the diffuser ( 36 ) and an underside ( 28 ) of the seat.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/738,485, filed on Dec. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,441, issuedon Apr. 10, 2007, which in turn claims priority to German PatentApplication DE 102 59 648.4, filed on Dec. 18, 2002, all of which areincorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a vehicle seat and, more particularly, concernsan air conditioned seat with a padded seat surface and backrest, and afan arranged beneath the seat surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air conditioned seats are known from the automotive industry andaircraft construction. A customary arrangement consists of a seatprovided with at least one device for the supply of air whose seat andbackrest surfaces are each provided with air outlets or with anair-permeable fabric structure. The air supply device typically includesan axial flow fan arranged in the seat surface and one in the backrestsurface, each of which draws in air from the environment and directs itthrough air ducts in the seat to the surfaces facing a person sitting inthe seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,024 describes a ventilated seat that is equippedwith a fan device beneath a seat surface and one in a backrest surface.Each of the fan devices draws air out of the seat through openings inthe seat and backrest surfaces and discharges it to the environment.Both fan devices are designed as axial flow fans or as axial/radial flowfans.

A ventilation device for an air-conditioned seat is additionally knownfrom DE 101 16 45 A1. In that case, an axial flow fan is provided on anunderside of a seat surface that draws air from the environment andconveys it through channels in the seat cushion to air outlets of a seatsurface.

The axial flow fan, in particular, that is located in the seat surface,generally projects downward from the underside of the seat and thus intoa footwell of a rear seat passenger sitting behind the air conditionedseat. This axial flow fan must be provided with an additional cover toprotect it from damage. Thus, there exists a need for an improved fanarrangement within a vehicle seat to make available an air supply devicefor an air conditioned seat, or an air conditioning apparatus for aventilated seat, that is robust and reliably protected all around, andavoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an air conditioned seat with a paddedseat surface and padded backrest, with a fan arranged beneath the seatsurface. The fan is connected to an air distribution apparatus in theseat and has a flow region that is open to the environment. The flowregion is located substantially on the side of the fan facing the seatsurface.

The disclosed embodiment is advantageous in that the fan drive isprotected against the penetration of splashes and muddy water from thefootwell of a rear seat passenger and also against damage from the rearseat passenger's feet. Moreover, the inlet opening of the fan is notvisible and is tamperproof.

One embodiment of the invention provides a flexible bellows between theoutlet opening of the radial flow fan and at least one air duct in theseat, permitting relative motion between the cushion and the fan causedby a person sitting or moving during vehicle operation. The underside ofthe seat can execute gentle vertical and horizontal motions while thefan itself preferably is rigidly anchored to a seat frame. At the sametime, the flexible bellows serves to redirect the airflow byapproximately 90 degrees from a horizontal direction to a verticalupward direction. The bellows preferably directs the flow of air into anair distribution structure in the seat surface, which may be connectedby air ducts to air outlets or an air-permeable fabric of the seatsurface if desired.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for a diffuser to bearranged around the air intake opening of the radial fan to guide theair that is drawn in. Between a top edge of the diffuser and theunderside of the seat, there can be arranged a slit opening that canhave a width of approximately 10 mm. This air guide improves theprotection of the fan against blockage by objects or body partspenetrating from the footwell, and thus simultaneously provides veryeffective tamper-proofing from children at play or debris. The diffusergenerally improves the protection of the fan drive from damage and fromthe penetration of water or moisture. Moreover, improved protection frompenetration of large dust and dirt particles can also be achieved bythis means, since the particles are substantially prevented fromreaching the fan drive by a labyrinthine air guide due to the slitopening.

If desired, a dust or particle filter or a fine screen may be arrangedbetween the slit opening and the air intake opening of the radial fan;this further protects the fan drive from the entry of foreign particles.To improve mechanical protection of the fan, its housing can behermetically sealed with respect to the environment. The slit openingcomprises the only opening to the outside, since the outlet opening isclosed to the outside by means of the flexible bellows. The diffuser canalso be rigidly connected to the housing which is sealed to the outside.The housing itself is firmly anchored to the seat and has a relativelyrobust structure for mechanical protection of the fan, protecting itfrom external damage.

Another alternative embodiment provides for an identical type radial fanto also be arranged in the backrest of the seat, which howeverpreferably has an air guide that is covered with respect to the outside.Due to its visibility and the possibility of contact by a rear seatpassenger, the backrest should in this case have a cover such that theair intake opening is arranged at a lower edge of the backrest facingthe floor, for example. Moreover, a radial/axial fan may be used insteadof a purely radial fan.

The air conditioned seat in accordance with the invention may be avehicle seat or an airplane seat, for example.

The use of a radial fan as opposed to an axial fan makes possible ahigher airflow, since a radial fan typically has a fan characteristicwith a steeper pressure curve. Greater obstruction of the airflowsystem, for example by heavy passengers or dirty air ducts, causes lessreduction in the airflow volume, and hence in system performance, with aradial fan.

The present invention itself, together with further objects andattendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should nowbe had to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in theaccompanying figures and described below by way of examples of theinvention wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an air conditioned seataccording to one embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 2 is an air conditioning apparatus according to the invention for aventilated seat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In the following description, various operating parameters andcomponents are disclosed for two exemplary embodiments. These specificparameters and components are included as examples and are not meant tobe limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an air conditioned seat 2 inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. The seat 2 includes anapproximately horizontal seat surface 4 and a backrest 8 that isattached thereto in either a fixed or rotatable manner. For improvedseating comfort, the seat surface 4 has a resilient seat cushion 6 andthe backrest 8 has a resilient backrest cushion 10. In particular, theseat cushion 6 and backrest cushion 10 may be made of foam or the like.If desired, a spring core may also be provided in each of these. Anunderside 28 of the seat surface 4 is anchored to a floor—possibly in asliding manner—by means of a seat frame by known methods andarrangements. Such a seat 2 in accordance with the invention may be usedfor example in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, or also in anairplane.

Provided on the rear side within the backrest 8 is an axial fan 14,which draws air from the environment and conveys it through a flexiblebellows 34 to an air distribution structure 22. From there, the air isconveyed through air ducts 20 to regions near the surface of thebackrest 8, where further regions may, for example, be provided with airdistribution structures 22 through which the air is conveyed to airoutlets 24 or to an air-permeable fabric 26. In the case of leatherupholstery, in particular, air outlets 24 are typically used.Conversely, in the case of fabric upholstery, an air-permeable fabric 26through which the air can pass to the outside is used on the surface ofthe backrest 8.

A similar air distribution structure 22 is provided in the seat surface4. Here, too, several air ducts 20 are arranged within the seat cushion6, through which air that has been drawn in by an air supply device isconveyed to the surface upon which a person can sit. In regions near thetop of the seat surface 4, air distribution structures 22 are provided,each of which communicates with an air duct 20. Here, too, the air canpass to the outside, again through air outlets 24 or through anair-permeable fabric 26.

An air distribution structure 22 on the underside 28 of the seat surface4 communicates at one upper surface 21 with the air ducts 20. At itslower surface 23, it opens into a flexible bellows 34, which establishesan air-carrying connection to an outlet opening 32 of the air supplydevice. In the example embodiment shown, the device to supply air to theseat surface 4 is a radial flow fan 16 with an outlet direction 32approximately parallel to the top of the seat surface 4 and with an airintake opening 30 directed essentially toward the underside 28 of theseat surface 4. Thus, the flow region 31 is located between the fan 16and the underside 28 of the seat surface 4.

Arranged around the air intake opening 30 is a diffuser 36 that isconnected to the otherwise sealed housing 18 of the radial flow fan 16.The diffuser 36 opens out upward in a conical shape from the air intakeopening 30 and provides a slit opening 40 between a top edge 38 and theunderside 28 of the seat surface 4. The slit opening 40 preferably has awidth that prevents the passage of relatively large particles. Forexample, the slit can be on the order of approximately 10 mm wide. Ifdesired, the slit opening 40 may be equipped with a dust or particlefilter 42, for example in the form of a fine-meshed fabric or the like(see FIG. 2). The housing 18 is preferably hermetically sealed andfastened to a seat pan or the seat frame (not shown), and thus has asecure anchoring to the seat 2. The bellows 34 permits motion of theoutlet opening 32 relative to the air distribution structure 20 on theunderside 28 of the seat surface 4.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an air conditioning apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the invention for a ventilated seat 2. Theair conditioning apparatus corresponds essentially to the arrangementalready described with regard to FIG. 1. Consequently, parts that arethe same as in FIG. 1 are labeled with the same reference number and forthe most part are not explained again. Unlike the arrangement in FIG. 1,a filter 42 or a screen that fills the slit opening 40 is providedbetween the top edge 38 of the diffuser 36 and the underside 28 of theseat surface 4. The diffuser 36 may have different sizes, as isindicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows a relatively large diffuser 36,which extends over most of the underside 28 of the seat surface 4. FIG.2 shows a smaller diffuser 36, which has roughly the same size as thehousing 18 of the radial fan 16. Because of the arrangement according tothe invention with the narrow slit opening 40 facing the underside 28 ofthe seat 2, however, a filter 42 or screen can be omitted, as a generalrule.

The arrangement shown of the radial fan 16 in the air conditioned seat 2has many advantages. The closed and mechanically robust housing 18 andthe sturdy diffuser 36 connected thereto represent reliable protectionfrom damage due to external influences. Since the radial fan is locatedin the footwell of a passenger sitting behind the seat 2, it can bedamaged accidentally if its construction is not sufficiently sturdy.This is largely prevented by the robust design and the firm anchoring tothe seat frame.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the slit opening directly beneath theunderside 28 of the seat 2 provides protection from tampering and alsorepresents a splashguard to prevent the penetration of moisture. Inaddition, protection from the penetration of particles and, in certaincircumstances, from the penetration of dust can be assured. As a resultof the air intake from above, a labyrinth-like air guide is producedthat reliably prevents the penetration of particles, water or otherenvironmental debris. The narrow width of the slit opening ofapproximately 10 mm, when the seat is occupied, represents protectionagainst unintentional intervention. Moreover, protection againstblockage is assured by the arrangement, since objects cannot reach theradial fan and tampering, for example by children at play, is nearlyimpossible, making the fan system potentially safer.

Preferably, ambient air is drawn in by the fan and blown into the seat.The fan can also be operated in the reverse direction, however. Thiswould cause air to be drawn out from the seat and blown out beneath theseat. The arrangement described would distribute the exhaust airflowwell. Objectionable, concentrated airflows would thus be avoided.

While the invention has been described in connection with one or moreembodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanisms andtechniques which have been described are merely illustrative of theprinciples of the invention, numerous modifications may be made to themethods and apparatus described without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An air conditioned seat, comprising: a padded seat and a padded backrest, each having an occupant side and an underside; at least one first air distribution structure located on the underside of the padded seat or the padded backrest; at least one second air distribution structure located on the occupant side or adjacent to the occupant side of the padded seat or padded backrest, wherein the first and second air distribution structures are in fluid communication through one or more air ducts in the padded seat or padded backrest; a seat cover comprising a plurality of air outlets or comprising an air permeable fabric; at least one fan in fluid communication with the at least one first distribution structure through a bellows, wherein the fan is configured to push air through the first air distribution structure to the second air distribution structure via the one or more air ducts.
 2. The seat of claim 1 wherein the at least one second air distribution structure is attached to the seat cover, the padded seat or the padded backrest.
 3. The seat of claim 2 wherein a plurality of air ducts fluidly connects each of the first air distribution structures to their respective second air-distribution structures.
 4. The seat of claim 1 wherein the at least one second air distribution structure is attached to the one or more air ducts.
 5. The seat of claim 1 wherein the fan comprises an air intake opening that is directed toward the underside of the padded seat or the padded backrest.
 6. The seat of claim 5 wherein the fan has an outlet opening aimed approximately parallel to the underside of the padded seat or padded backrest.
 7. The seat of claim 1 wherein both the padded seat and the padded backrest comprise at least one second air distribution structure on their occupant side.
 8. The seat of claim 7 further comprising at least one fan for each of the padded seat and the padded backrest.
 9. The seat of claim 8 wherein the fan in the padded seat comprises an air inlet opening that is directed toward the underside of the padded seat and an outlet opening aimed approximately parallel to the underside of the padded seat.
 10. An air conditioned seat, comprising: a padded seat and a padded backrest, each having an occupant side and an underside; at least one first air distribution structure located on the underside of the padded seat or the padded backrest; at least one second air distribution structure located on the occupant side or adjacent to the occupant side of the padded seat or padded backrest, wherein the first and second air distribution structures are in fluid communication through one or more air ducts in the padded seat or padded backrest; a seat cover comprising a plurality of air outlets or comprising an air permeable fabric; at least one fan in fluid communication with the at least one first distribution structure through a bellows, wherein the fan is configured to pull air through the second air distribution structure to the first air distribution structure via the one or more air ducts.
 11. The seat of claim 10 wherein the at least one second air distribution structure is attached to the seat cover, the padded seat or the padded backrest.
 12. The seat of claim 11 wherein a plurality of air ducts fluidly connects each of the first air distribution structures to their respective second air distribution structures.
 13. The seat of claim 10 wherein the at least one second air distribution structure is attached to the one or more air ducts.
 14. The seat of claim 10 wherein the fan comprises an air outlet opening that is directed toward the underside of the padded seat or the padded backrest.
 15. The seat of claim 14 wherein the fan has an intake opening aimed approximately parallel to the underside of the padded seat or padded backrest.
 16. The seat of claim 10 wherein both the padded seat and the padded backrest comprise at least one second air distribution structure on their occupant side.
 17. The seat of claim 16 further comprising at least one fan for each of the padded seat and the padded backrest.
 18. The seat of claim 17 wherein the fan in the padded seat comprises an air outlet opening that is directed toward the underside of the padded seat and an inlet opening aimed approximately parallel to the underside of the padded seat.
 19. An air conditioned seat, comprising: a padded seat and a padded backrest, each having an occupant side and an underside; at least one first air distribution structure located on the underside of the padded seat or the padded backrest; at least one second air distribution structure located on the occupant side or adjacent to the occupant side of the seat or backrest, wherein the first and second air distribution structures are in fluid communication through one or more air ducts in the seat or backrest; a seat cover comprising a plurality of air outlets or comprising an air permeable fabric; at least one fan in fluid communication with the at least one first distribution structure through a bellows, wherein the fan comprises an air intake opening that is directed toward the underside of the padded seat or backrest and an outlet opening aimed approximately parallel to the underside of the padded seat or backrest, and wherein the fan is configured to push air through the first air distribution structure to the second air distribution structure via the one or more air ducts. 